Environment Canterbury has confirmed an average 2.4 percent rate rise, but some regional councillors want to do more to support the environment.

The Canterbury Regional Council adopted its 2026-27 annual plan by 14-1 at a council meeting on Wednesday, June 24, with Cr Ian Mackenzie abstaining.

Cr Mackenzie said the council should have done more to cut spending, while other councillors want more action to address nitrate levels in drinking water, and protections for the coastline and the environment.

Cr Genevieve Robinson voted against adopting the annual plan, following her pleas earlier this year for the council to follow through on a commitment to update the Canterbury Regional Coastal Environment Plan.

The annual plan includes funding from public transport reserves to boost bus services for Rangiora, Rolleston and Aranui, an increase of $100,000 for biodiversity projects and an extra $2m for flood protection in the Waimakariri River network.

Cr Ashley Campbell said the low rate rise left some people asking what had been left out, after the 2024/34 Long Term Plan had signalled a 17% average rate increase for this year.

‘‘Rates pay for stuff to be done and the lower the rates increase the less stuff we can do.

‘‘I acknowledge the widespread financial and economic concerns, but the questions I’ve been asked about is what have we not done that we could have done?’’

Cr Peter Scott said a 2.4% average rate rise was ‘‘a good outcome’’.

‘‘Although we don’t agree on every single thing, I think the people of Canterbury should be pleased with this.’’

Cr Scott said there would be an opportunity to address the environmental concerns raised by councillors as part of the 2027/37 Long Term Plan process.

Chairperson Dr Deon Swiggs said he was pleased with the decision to invest in more buses to increase services on the number 1, Rangiora to Cashmere, and 5, Rolleston to New Brighton, bus routes.

He noted it was the first time since he was elected in 2022 that the council had presented a balanced budget, after running budget deficits for the past few years.

Deputy chairperson Iaean Cranwell said the extra $100,000 from the council’s contestable fund was ‘‘a win for protecting biodiversity’’.

But Cr Mckenzie said councillors should have listened to voters who gave ‘‘a very strong message’’ in last year’s local government elections.

‘‘Ratepayers, particularly those in rural areas, said they wanted a significant change in attitude to spending their money and we haven’t been able to do that.’’

Crs Claire McKay and John Sunckell expressed some sympathy for Cr Mackenzie’s view.

‘‘This is a good start for setting the building blocks for the Long Term Plan next year,’’ Cr McKay said.

The council received feedback on the annual plan from 119 individuals and organisations.

By David Hill